2015 Volkswagen Jetta - What's New Is What You Don't Always
See +VIDEO

NEW YORK - April 29, 2014: At the 2014 New York International Auto Show,
Volkswagen unveiled the renewed Jetta. The model is subtly redesigned, but
under the skin there are some important improvements over the current
model.

Upgraded Safety Systems
The Jetta is one of Volkswagen’s best-selling models and had
always been regarded as an excellent compact family car. Worldwide some 14
million Jettas have been sold since its introduction in 1979. The sixth
generation was introduced in 2011 and sold well in 2012. But with the ever
increasing competition from the Japanese and Korean brands, the Jetta got a
bit behind, especially with respect to new safety technology and driver
assistance systems.

Well, that is made up for in the 2015 model. The new renewed Jetta gets
an upgrade of the safety systems, including park assist, blind spot
detection, and front collision warning. The blind spot detection option is
always combined with the rear cross-traffic alert system.

Better Aerodynamics For Lower CO2 Emissions
The exterior changes consist of a new front grille with three blades, a
new bumper and front fascia with horizontal blades running from one side to
the other. At the rear we see a new trunk lid, taillights and bumper. The
measures give the Jetta a more modern and active stance. The redesign
furthermore resulted in just over half an inch longer length and just over
an inch lower height.

No less important is that the changes also improve aerodynamics and
resulted in a 10 percent reduced drag. Most significant is the trunk lid
with its integrated spoiler that runs into the rear fenders, while up front
the airflow is improved.

Another aerodynamic feature is the automatically opening and closing
shutter in the radiator grille, which is specific for the Jetta 1.8 TSI
with 125 kW/170 hp and the 2.0 TDI Clean Diesel with 110 kW/150 hp.

With a closed shutter, the warm-up time of the engine is shortened. This
has an effect on fuel economy and CO2 emissions.. The shutter opens based
on engine speed and cooling demand of the engine, air conditioning,
etc.

The new Jetta is offered with optional bi-xenon cornering headlamps and
LED daytime running lights and tail lights.

More Upscale Interior

2015 Volkswagen Jetta

In the cabin of the compact sedan, the changes are subtle as well.
Except for the lower level trim, the gauges are framed in tubes with chrome
rims, chrome edged radiator vents, piano black accents in the center
console and around the shift lever, new seat designs and new fabric colors.
A color multifunction display is an option, just like the multifunction
steering wheel. The latter offers a welcome improvement for operating the
cruise control. All versions (the Base, S, SE, SEL,GLI or Hybrid SEL) are
equipped with a 40/60 split rear bench. Up to six airbags are standard and
include two new designed head-thorax airbags.

What You Do Not Notice
The Volkswagen engineers have been quite busy to meet the new
requirements for the IIHS frontal small overlap test. This means that in a
near frontal crash the forces will not be distributed through the
longitudinal chassis beams, but will hit the foot well of the cabin
instead. The construction of the foot well has been changed and reinforced
in order to withstand a crash and intrusion of less than 100 mm (4
inches).

Updated 2.0-liter Clean Diesel
Volkswagen would not be Volkswagen if the opportunity would introduce a
more fuel efficient engine is not taken. Renewed for the 2015 Jetta is the
2.0-liter Clean Diesel with 110 kW/150 hp, which is 10 hp more than the
current version with a 6 per cent lower fuel consumption. According to VW
it should use, in combination with a manual transmission, 32/45/37 mph
(town/highway/combined). Combined with the 6-speed automatic dual-clutch
(DSG) transmission (DSG) this is 31/44/36 mpg.

The 236 pound-feet of torque is already available at 1,750 rpm up to
3,000 rpm. This engine is the first of the new generation modular diesel
system (MDB) that is available in the US.

CrossBlue Variant Will Arrive In 2016
Jetta buyers can also chose the base engine, a 115 hp 2.0-four-cylinder,
or the sportier 1.8- and 2.0-liter turbo engines with 170 hp and 210 hp
respectively. Available transmissions are the 5 and 6-speed manual, 6-speed
automatic, and a 6-speed DSG. There is also a 1.4-liter turbo hybrid, that
is combined with a 7-speed DSG (double clutch) transmission. The 2015 Jetta
is expected to reach North-American dealerships in the third quarter of
this year.

Customers may also be tempted to wait for the CrossBlue, now called the
Golf SportWagon. A concept for the CrossBlue was presented next to the new
Jetta at the show in New York. However, this variant is not expected to be
introduced on the market before 2016.